Multi-segment Foot Kinematics in Young Adults: A Preliminary Study Comparing Two Biomechanical Gait Models

Multi-segment biomechanical foot models are commonly used to track foot kinematics during motion analysis, but due to the complexity of foot mechanics there is a lack of technical uniformity in existing foot models. Two of the most commonly used multi-segment models are the Oxford and Leardini foot models. The purpose of this study was to compare selected foot kinematics collected using these models. Five participants (mean age = 24 (±2) yrs; height = 173.2 (±12.1) cm; mass = 74.4 (±17.6) kg) volunteered for the study and marker placement models were applied consecutively in the same session. Five gait trials with right foot contact on an AMTI force plate and five gait trials with left foot contact on a force plate were collected with each subject, for both models. The three most representative gait cycles were selected for analysis. Spatial-temporal values for both models were highly repeatable, as well as sagittal and frontal plane rotations of the hindfoot relative to tibia. Transverse plane rotation of the hindfoot relative to tibia and frontal and transverse plane rotations of the forefoot relative to hindfoot have generally repeatable patterns with small deviations between models, likely due to a difference in segment definitions. Foot kinematics using both the Oxford Foot and a modified Leardini model are in good agreement with previously published studies. The findings of this study indicate varied agreement between these two models, but further research is needed